Time to Get Your Turf Ready for Summer

This turf is well maintained and is ready for its spring herbicide application and fertilization.

With such unusual weather over the past month, I have just recently started my spring turf program. First, if you have not applied a spring pre-emergent herbicide, or if you prefer a weed and feed if your grass is good and green, do it now. Our cool nights have prevented most of our summer weed germination in turf. Also, on Monday, I just applied my first spring application to my zoysia grass and my son’s Bermuda grass lawn. This weekend, I will spot spray any spring weeds with a good Weed-Be-Gone product especially designed for killing spring weeds for the type of turf I have. Just remember if you have Poa annua, it will not control this ugly weed. In fact, you will have to wait until fall to control Poa annua. So if you have not done anything yet, take this approach.

Lower your mower blade one notch below where you usually cut your grass. Cut (semi-scalp) the grass and bag it.

Apply pre-emergent herbicide or weed and feed if you prefer at the recommended rate on the bag with a fertilizer spreader.

Water the product into the grass.

If you are fertilizing your grass separate from the herbicide application, wait until a rain is predicted and apply the fertilizer just before it rains, or you will need to water it in to the turf.

Raise your mower back to its normal level and cut about 10 days after applying the herbicide and get back on a regular mowing schedule.

Make a second application of fertilizer again around June 15, and water your turf if we do not have adequate rain.

Good looking grass is a beautiful part of any landscape, but if you do not care for it, don’t expect it to be a pride source for your home.

John Floyd has been gardening--and learning about Birmingham area gardening--for more than 30 years. In addition to his day-to-day experience, John has degrees in horticulture from Auburn and Clemson Universities and was Editor-in-Chief of Southern Living.

One thought on “Time to Get Your Turf Ready for Summer”

John, what fertilizer do you recommend for Bermuda over here in Clay. Also what weed be gone is best that will not completely kill the grass. Thanks for your postings, best gardening site l have ever seen for locals.